Release!

Three orphaned Barred owls discovered this spring are getting a second chance thanks to the efforts of HAWK Center (Helping Arkansas Wild “Kritters”) “They have graduated from mouse academy and are ready to move out on their own” said Lynne Slater, HAWK Center Executive Director. They have been living with a foster parent, a HAWK Center educational ambassador who has served as a role model for the young owls. “We want our orphaned raptors to grow up knowing they’re predatory birds and not thinking they’re humans. It’s safer for everyone that way and they (the owls) will have a higher chance at success.” said Slater.

HAWK Center and Lake Dardanelle State Park invite you to join them as they release these three young barred owls on Wednesday, July 18, at 7:00 p.m.. Following a short presentation about HAWK Center at the Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center, the young adult owls will be released at the park. Because HAWK Center wishes to give the released owls the best chance possible, a forecast of heavy rain will postpone the release.

“We’re a 100% volunteer, donation funded organization. This is our payday. This is why we do what we do & I hope that by sharing this release, more people will be inspired to get involved. It’s exciting every time we have a chance to return an injured or orphaned animal to the wild. You can’t help but be moved.” said Slater.

Rain date: Thursday, July 19, 7:00 p.m. Contact Amber Mascuilli to confirm 479-967-5516

Photo by Lynne Slater (Foster parent looks after orphaned Barred owlets)